US Treasury Warns Shippers Against Paying Iranian Tolls in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. Treasury has issued a warning to shippers regarding the payment of tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This advisory, released by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), highlights the risk of punitive sanctions for any shipper making such payments, including those disguised as charitable donations to organizations like the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route, with approximately 20% of the world's seaborne crude oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. Iran has proposed these tolls as part of its strategy to end the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States. The Treasury's warning comes amid reports of at least one $2 million payment made for safe passage through the Strait. Additionally, Iran has sent a proposal for negotiations to the U.S. via Pakistani mediators, potentially signaling a move towards resolving the conflict. 
